MANILA, Philippines — Former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan is set to testify in detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s plunder case before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.
Prosecutors listed Bonoan with 20 other witnesses expected in bail hearings set for Oct. 20 to Nov. 12.
Witnesses from the Senate, Department of Public Works and Highways and National Bureau of Investigation will be presented to prove the strength of the evidence against Estrada and former DPWH officials.
Estrada is accused of amassing P573 million, or 25 percent of kickbacks for two flood control projects in Bulacan.
The court had granted the ombudsman’s motion to exclude Bonoan and make him a state witness.
According to reports, it remains unclear if Bonoan would take the witness stand.
Bail hearings are scheduled on Oct. 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29; Nov. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25 and 26 and Dec. 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9.
Estrada attended yesterday’s hearing through video conference from the Quezon City Jail in Payatas.
He was ordered by the court to sign the pretrial order.
The court earlier imposed another 90-day suspension on Estrada.
Sen. Bong Go said Estrada should be given a chance to function as a senator.
“We are co-equal branch of government. We respect the court’s decision. But he is still a sitting senator. I hope he is given another chance to function as a senator,” Go told reporters yesterday.
“I hope he returns to work immediately. Not only for the impeachment trial, but for his function as a sitting senator,” Go said, referring to the proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Estrada’s brother Sen. JV Ejercito said due process must prevail, deferring to the courts’ discretion. – Neil Jayson Servallos